Holding onto Summer

Much as I love autumn I do love warm summer days. Here are the products which will help me hold onto the summertime feeling going into autumn:

A little bit of bronzer keeps me going into autumn days. This one by Bobbi Brown in Golden Light adds a light glow to the skin.

Olivine Among the Waves Lotion transports you back to the beach and summer living. It smells simply of the beach - salt air, coconut oil, tropical flowers and sea breeze. 72% organic with a cute little wooden reusable tag. It's just summer holidays in a bottle for me. 

Innovative Sun Drops* (£22) by Tropic Skincare are just perfect for holding onto summer skin and a light tan (all through winter!) Add a few drops to Skin Revive Moisturiser* for a tailor made tan with this gradual build up serum. The colour will develop leaving your skin lightly tanned and healthy looking.

Yes to Coconuts Ultra Moisture Conditioner which smells instantly of summer! The conditioner deeply nourishes the hair leaving it smelling of coconuts.

Do you use any products to help you hold onto summer?

*complimentary

Blog Tour: Our Altered Life by Charlene Beswick

Today I'm on the blog tour for Our Altered Life by Charlene Beswick.

"After a healthy twin pregnancy, Charlene and Mark were shocked to be told that one of their boys had been born with half of his face undeveloped. In seconds, the happy family future they had been planning disintegrated into turmoil and uncertainty.

Laugh out loud funny in places, heart-wrenchingly sad in others, and refreshingly honest at all times, Our Altered Life is Charlene’s wonderful account of how she struggled to forgive herself and bond with a baby she didn’t expect. Follow her transition through grief and anger, challenges and triumphs, loss and acceptance, to love for the life she has now with two children she wouldn’t change for the world".

My thoughts?

The story follows what happened when Charlene and Mark's twin boys were born two months early by emergency caesarean. They found out one of their boys had been born with only one eye, a small underdeveloped ear, no nostril and a short and slanted jaw. Understandably, they were both devastated that Harry, their much wanted son wasn't perfect like his brother Oliver. They found out Harry has Goldenhar syndrome and autism and had years of operations and uncertainty ahead of him.

You could feel Charlene's pain, frustrations, anger, disbelief and guilt. She thought it was her fault and felt lost and in a daze. The boys spent time at different hospitals while they grew stronger before they could come home. Charlene slowly got to know Harry and totally fell in love with him. 

It's hard to imagine what Charlene and Mark went through in the early days. Charlene's memoir, Our Altered Life is a real life story, very often heartbreaking but with snippets of humour and lots resilience and strength. I really recommend it.

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ ouralteredlife/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ ouralteredlife/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ ouralteredlife

September: Lately I've Been Loving

Here's my September loves:

I was lucky enough to recently win one of Laila London's products of my choice in their giveaway and I chose their Replenishing Midnight Facial Oil 30ml* which is gorgeous. Expect a review soon!

Marie's Artisan Soaps are one of the best artisan handcrafted ones I've used. 

They are hand cut before being beautifully wrapped and the soaps are made using an ancient cold process method and are formulated using natural ingredients. They are made in small batches before being poured into moulds to set. 

Marie very kindly sent me two soaps to try and both are just gorgeous. Geranium & Rosewood* (£5) is scented with Bergamot, Geranium & Rosewood essential oils and pink clay. It's perfect for sensitive skin types. The second one is Organic Lavender* (£5) which calms and soothes. The addition of patchouli essential oil is a nice touch as it gives the soap a spicy edge. I've been really impressed with the quality, how effective and nice they are (I'll definitely buy for me and for stocking fillers/small gifts in the future). See the selection available HERE.

Another new to me brand is Magical Tree founded by Emmy and Laz. The body butters* are simply divine and perfect for dry winter skin - all the scents are a delight. Expect a full review soon.

I was so pleased to finally try Haeckels Made of Margate - my first try was bog myrtle incense cones. See my review HERE. I'm looking forward to trying more!

Latest launch from bodhi & birch (1st October) are their gorgeous new bath & shower oils* (£30). One of my readers can win their very own set (with the body oil collection). See HERE for details of how to enter.

One of our favourite local restaurants, First coast have started doing Small Plates Saturday. We recently shared some delicious plates of food - the scallops, with smoked cauliflower puree were a highlight as well as that delicious and sweet chocolate & hazelnut brownie.

I've totally fallen for these beautiful Bliss Botanicals Vanilla & Rose Soy Wax Melts which I bought back in the summer. They just feel like coming home to me. The scent calms and relaxes me and I love them so. See my review HERE.

What have you been loving in September?

*complimentary

Giveaway #4 with Bodhi & Birch - it's over!

I've got an amazing giveaway for you to celebrate my blog's 6th birthday. One of my very lucky readers will win bodhi & birch's latest launch (1st October) Bath & Shower Oil Collection (worth £30) and Body Oils Mini Collection (worth £20). Thanks so much to Elijah Choo for collaborating with this lovely prize for one of my readers.

See my review of the body oils* HERE. 

The new Bath & Shower Oils Collection contains:

Renewing Rosa Verde - Rose, Lime, Geranium & Frankincense

Relaxing Jasmin de Lune - Jasmine, High Altitude Lavender & Vetiver

Reviving La Botanica - Lemon, Eucalyptus, Rosemary & Juniper Berry

I can honestly say they all smell glorious (Elijah very kindly gifted me my own set). So far I've tried Jasmin de Lune (and it's gorgeous).

Entry is via the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

September Empties

I'm not going to use up anything else this month so here are my empties:

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist 15ml - I'm a huge fan of this rose scented mist. See my review HERE. I've got several of these minis in my stash but I'd buy again.

Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Cream 40ml - which is the lushest rose scented cream ever! I've used it a few times and find it deeply moisturising. Would buy again.

Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Hand Cream 30ml - I'm using up too many rosey things this month! A rich and deeply nourishing hand cream. I just cracked open a new one.

Nourish Golden Glow Illuminating Face Shimmer 15ml - I'm a huge fan of this product and have bought it loads. See my review HERE. This will be replenished!

Rosalena Goodness & Tonic Face Mist 15ml - gorgeous to use and I'll pick it up again at some point. See my review HERE.

JOIK Energising Bath Salts with Grapefruit, Orange & Lemon Essential Oils 500g* - these were fantastic and great value for money. See my review HERE. I'll definitely buy them when my stash reduces a bit.

mio double buff dual action enzyme exfoliator 50ml - this was lovely to use with just the right amount of scrubbiness. Would maybe buy when my stash reduces a bit.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil 55ml - which is one of my favourite Aromatherapy Associates products. See my review HERE. This one was a gift from my friend Julie but I'm sure I'll buy it again.

Diptyque Philosykos EdT 12ml - which is one of my favourite fig scents. Will buy it again for sure.

Elemis Revitalise-Me Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - it was nice to re-visit Elemis! Apex Hotels offer Elemis minis in their rooms which were a real treat. I'd maybe buy full size.

Olverum Bath Oil 15ml - I love this bath oil. See my review HERE. I've got a few of these minis in my stash but I'd buy this full size.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer in Geranium & Neroli 40ml - I'm a huge fan of the product but prefer the unscented original version. Already cracked open a new one.

John Masters Organics Lavender, Rose, Geranium & Ylang Ylang Soap 42g* - I've used this lovely soap several times. Would buy again.

Various Stop the Water 6ml samples - White Sage Shower Gel, White Sage Body Lotion, Lavender, Sandalwood Shampoo & Conditioner. These seemed quite nice although I sometimes find it hard to tell if I'm going to like something from a small sachet.

Herbfarmacy Body Oil samples x 2 - which seemed lovely. Would probably buy full size.

Corinne Taylor Balance Himalayan Bath Salts** which came in August's Skin Organics Beauty Box. I'm already a huge fan of the brand and it's likely that I'll buy them again.

You Dirty Scrub Mint & Eucalyptus Bath Salts 100g - these smelt glorious! I did find they clumped a bit together in the bath but that didn't spoil the enjoyment. I'd maybe buy again.

Dr Alkaitis Organic Ageless Facial Elixir vial - again a teeny sample. It seemed nice but just not enough to get a feel for the product.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel 5ml - huge fan of this product and the brand. See my review HERE. I've got a full size of this awaiting opening!

Phaedon Coton Egyptien EdT sample vial - I love that Bloom Perfumery offer a fantastic sample service with most at £2 for a 1ml vial. I have totally fallen for this beautiful fresh perfume and of course now want full-size!

What have you been using up this month?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

**complimentary

Zing Organics: Eco Marine Algae Facial Cleansing Masque & Giveaway #3

this is my pot - the giveaway winner will get their own brand new one!

As you'll know I'm a huge, huge, huge fan of Zing Organics. I received a pot of the fabulous Eco Marine Algae Facial Cleansing Masque (25g - £24.50) in the September Zing Lover's Subscription Club box. See my review of the box HERE.

This masque is just so good (and one of my favourite products of '17) and because of that one of my readers can win one over on twitter today - it's giveaway #3 of my 6th blog birthday giveaways.  

But if you aren't a lucky winner you can get £5 off with code BBMASQUE

The masque smells of the deeply of the sea and seashore (the scent just blew me away - before I tried it on my skin - just WOW).

Zing Organics sourced a seaweed extract with "demonstrable collagen boosting function devoid of toxins often associated with seaweeds. Additionally, they've sourced another mineral and vitamin rich, toxin and allergen free seaweed extract to provide an authentic and compelling scent of the sea".

"We use carbon neutral Italian Cylindrotheca Fusiformis Extract to deliver the active function and add a trace of French Fuscous Vesiculosis Extract to impart the fabulous 'smell of the sea' - a brisk salty and mossy aroma which transports you instantly to a walk on a deserted pristine Atlantic beach!"

The masque is lovingly handcrafted (only 4 products are made per batch!!)

It plumps, softens, soothes and nourishes the face and neck and contains 97% Certified Organic ingredients. My skin just loves this beautiful mask - it looks healthy, moisturised and super glowy!

"The Ritual: Take one eighth of a teaspoonful of masque from jar using a wooden spoon provided, and melt between palms and then extend to fingertips. In upward sweeping movements apply the balm lightly over decolletage, neck and face. Leave on one full minute. Meantime prepare very warm flannel (not boiling) by dipping in very hot water. Hold the flannel over a sink dripping an inch or so from neck and face, allowing steam to build up. Then once the flannel has cooled somewhat, dab the face, neck and decolletage lightly with the flannel to remove excess stickiness. At all times we encourage mindful inhalation of the stunning aroma of Bracing Marine Seaweed, Spiritual Scottish Highland Pine and Inspiring Lavender as an important part of the nurturing ritual. Your skin will feel as soft as a baby's bottom! The aroma and skincare function of the product is orientated towards both sexes and the funky branding has this widespread appeal in mind". 

Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Beeswax, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triclyceride (natural coconut and glycerine derived dispersing agent for active Cylindrotheca Fusiformis Marine Extract), Cylindrotheca Fusiformis Extract, Fuscus Vesiculosis Extract, Organic Essential Oil of Scottish Highland Pine, Organic Essential Oil of French Lavender.

There are around 30 applications per jar and the packaging is recyclable. 

Please head over to my Twitter to enter the competition! Good luck!

Blog Tour: Cold Blood - Detective Erika Foster #5 by Robert Bryndza

I'm on the Blog Tour today for Cold Blood - Detective Erika Foster #5 by Robert Bryndza*. It's an absolutely fantastic read.

"She fell in love with a killer, now she’s one too.

The suitcase was badly rusted, and took Erika several attempts, but it yielded and sagged open as she unzipped it. Nothing could prepare her for what she would find inside…

When a battered suitcase containing the dismembered body of a young man washes up on the shore of the river Thames, Detective Erika Foster is shocked. She’s worked on some terrifying cases but never seen anything like this before. 

As Erika and her team set to work, she makes the link with another victim – the body of a young woman dumped in an identical suitcase two weeks ago. 

Erika quickly realises she’s on the trail of a serial killer who’s already made their next move. Yet just as Erika starts to make headway with the investigation, she is the victim of a brutal attack. 

But nothing will stop Erika. As the body count rises, the twin daughters of her colleague Commander Marsh are abducted, and the stakes are higher than ever before. Can Erika save the lives of two innocent children before it’s too late? She’s running out of time and about to make a disturbing discovery…there’s more than one killer".

My thoughts?

I just couldn't put the book down and raced through it desperate to know what would happen. I think it's the best one yet! I'm a huge fan of Erika and was keen to see where the story would take her both professionally and personally.

A suitcase is washed up on the shore along by the River Thames. Inside is a badly beaten dismembered body. A similar case is uncovered and the team realise they must be linked. The race is on to find the killer..

In her line of duty Erika is attacked - is this connected with the murder cases mounting up? The killers make it personal when the take those Commander Marsh holds dear and the race is on to find them before it's too late..

Fast paced, un-put-downable and with twisty storylines. I absolutely loved it! (although in the next book I'd like to see some personal happiness for Erika). It was also great to catch up again with well loved characters such as Moss and briefly Peterson.

You can see the others taking part in the blog tour below:

*complimentary e-book sent for review via Netgalley

Shopping my Stash #92

These are the products I've been reaching for:

I just adore everything by Zing Organics. This travel friendly solid perfume is just gorgeous. It's scented with French Bourbon, Geranium & May Chang and is aromatic and uplifting. See my review HERE.

A new find is BetterYou B12 Daily Oral Spray. I was looking for something to give me a lift. It restores energy, aids concentration and memory and combats tiredness and fatigue. I'm really impressed with how it makes me feel more alive and I'll be buying the spray again.

I'm a huge Antipodes fan and I'm finding coming into autumn my lips and hands are needing some more TLC. See my review of Deliverance Kowhai Flower Hand Cream HERE and the Lip Balm with Lime Leaf & Cocoa Butter* HERE.

Aster & Bay's Dry Shampoo (4oz - £26)** is one of the best I've used. It was perfected over a six month period and is formulated with kaolin clay, rice starch, cassava root powder and organic tea tree oil.

The dry shampoo is easy to use and soaks up any oils and grease, volumises and I find I need to wash my hair less. To use: shake a small amount of product onto your hand (or apply directly to your parting). Apply to the roots massaging the powder into the hair until it disappears.

What have you been reaching for lately?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

**complimentary

The Method, Stockbridge - Haeckels Made of Margate

The Method in Stockbridge, Edinburgh is a gorgeous lifestyle, beauty and therapy store (there's an online shop too so if you don't live near enough you can still get a shopping fix!) which sell a beautiful range of beauty products (some of which I've only seen online before), home and lifestyle items and they also offer a range of treatments which you can see HERE. 

I was super excited as they are a stockist of Haeckels Made of Margate which has been on my wishlist like forever! I picked up two items on my first visit Haeckels Incense Cones (£16) and Meraki Green Seaweed Soap (£8).

I chose Bog Myrtle cones as they were the scent which appealed to me most! It thrives in harsh and hard to reach conditions - think the top of a steep coastal path or on coastline cliffs. It's great to use as a midge repellent and the aroma is said to be alike of cloves. It's spicy, smokey with a hint of floral.

To use: light the end of the cone letting it burn for 15 seconds before blowing the ember until it's red hot. Place "in the heart of your home in either a hallway or landing to allow the fragrant smoke to disperse". The lid or a pretty saucer is ideal to burn the cones. Each one will burn for about 15 minutes and the scent will last 2-4 hours in a medium sized room.

There are other scents available which you can see HERE. What's your favourite product from the brand?

Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box: September - Revive

I reviewed the Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box* for August. It's theme was Self Care - see my review HERE. As I thought the box was so good I quickly signed up! The box costs £21 plus £3.95 p&p. Some of the brands included in the box also offer money off codes which is always welcome!

September's theme is Revive and here's what's inside:

Eeek! Again this month there are three new to me brands!

First up is the fabulous looking Alexa Sky Botanicals Cactus Fruit Eye Serum (10ml - £23) which helps with dark circles, puffiness and fine lines. I'm looking forward to trying this! (expect a review in a few weeks).

From JUN-i there is a Hair Oil (£14.99) which is exclusive to Skin Organics Clean Beauty Box and can be used as a deep hair treatment overnight. Again, can't wait to try!

The final new to me brand this month is from Lilian Jones and is a Lavender Shampoo Bar which is free from SLS and SLES. It's worth £3.

I'm a huge fan of Blue Labelle and nestled inside the box is their Light & Balancing Facial Oil (30ml - £16.50) which I've tried before. See my review HERE.

I just love Awake Organics. Their Aura Clean Deodorant travel size (£3.99) is one of the best I've used. See my review HERE. This one's getting popped in my travel bag.

The final item in the box is from Nathalie Bond Organics and is their Organic Rose & Patchouli Bath Salts (60ml - £7.99) which I have also tried before (I found a little nearly empty jar lurking in the back of the cupboard which I received in a beauty box a while ago). It's really beautiful and I'm going to enjoy re-visiting.

It's a fabulous box again this month. Did you pick one up? What are your thoughts on the contents?

Giveaway #2 - Love Lula: Walden Natural Perfumes

As you'll know I'm celebrating my blog's 6th birthday this month and have 6 fantastic giveaways for my readers (you can see my #1 giveaway HERE) For my second giveaway I've got a 15ml purse spray of Walden Natural Perfume in best selling and award winning 'A Little Star Dust' to giveaway to one of my UK readers. It's worth £18 and has notes of Ylang Ylang, Iris and Jasmine with creamy Amyris and Tonka Bean. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love Lula Beauty Box: September 2017

I picked my September Love Lula Beauty Box* up at the Post Office yesterday morning. It's an absolutely fantastic one this month and worth £50! Sign up for your monthly box HERE.

WOW!

I just love everything! Inside is:

Walden Natural Perfume Gift Set (which is worth £30!) - inside you will find the whole Walden range in 5ml bottles. This is a great way to test all the scents out. See my reviews HERE, HERE and HERE. The gift set is such a good addition to this month's box!

From Esse Probiotic Skincare we have a 10ml travel/try-me size of their fabulous Gel Cleanser. See my review HERE. This is getting popped in my travel bag.

I simply adore Balm Balm's Beauty Balm (60ml - £16.50) and was delighted to see a full size pot this month. I recently reviewed it - see HERE. So pleased to now have a full size pot!

From JOIK there is a mouthwatering white chocolate bath truffle. I've used these before and they are a delight! See my review HERE. 

The final item is a sachet sample set from Kimberly Sayer which is the perfect try me set or for holidays (these will also be going in my travel bag) - Light Cleansing Lotion, Gentle Facial Cleanser, Restore Anti-Ageing Cream and Tangerine & Calendula Healing Light Night Cream.

Such an amazing box this month. What are your thoughts to the contents?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program. My thoughts are genuine and my post contains affiliate links.

Scienea Superfruit Serum Review & Giveaway #1 - it's over!

I've been testing out Scienea's Superfruit Serum (20ml - £30)* and I can honestly say it's fantastic. The range is new and from industry experts Amphora Aromatics.

The serum (which comes boxed) is suitable for all skin types. It smoothes out wrinkles, plumping, nourishing, healing blemishes and minimising age spots. Two years of research and development (along with love and care) went into formulating and creating the serum which contains skin loving natural ingredients.

"Clinically proven to enhance skin's density and firmness and to visibly reduce the wrinkled appearance of skin, including 'crows feet'. Starts working from the first application to help fight the signs of ageing and restore a youthful complexion".

To use: cleanse and tone the face before applying a few drops of serum with your fingertips and massage onto the skin. 

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Squalene, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil , Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Camelina Sativa (Camelina) Seed Oil, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Borago officinalis (Starflower) Seed Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil , Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Seed Oil, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride , Opuntia Ficus Indica (Prickly Pear) Seed Oil, Spilanthes Acmella (Spilanthes) Flower Extract, Aspalathus Linearis (Green Rooibos) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Black Tea) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil , Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Fruit Oil, Backhousia Citriodora (Lemon Myrtle) Peel Oil, Cymbopogon Martinii (Palmarosa) Oil , Tocopherol, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Citronellol

It's a really beautiful serum which smells delicious and is stuffed full of good things for the skin. Scienea have very kindly collaborated to offer one of my readers their own Superfruit Serum* - all you need to do follow the rafflecopter instructions below. Good luck! (this is a worldwide giveaway)

Oh and this is a giveaway for my blog's 6th birthday this month! So expect a few lovely collaborations upcoming!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*complimentary

Zing Organics: Zing Lover's Subscription Club

As you'll know I'm a huge Zing Organics fan.  

See my recent reviews HERE and HERE. I recently blogged about their newish monthly subscription box - see HERE. I'd fancied signing up last month but with holidays just didn't get round to it and so I couldn't resist September's box!

Sign up and pay £29.50 a month including p&p. Each box is worth £50 or more. See HERE for more info.

September's theme is is Woods and includes a treasure from the forest floor (I got these cute little fir cones on their own little twig).

The Eco Marine Algae Facial Cleansing Masque (25g - £24.50) is simply exquisite and smells of the sea. I've only used it once but already I love it. It deeply nourishes the skin leaving it plumped, radiant and smooth. Expect a full review soon! This one's a keeper!

Eastern Promise Solid Cologne in Spiritual Frankincense & Sandalwood (5g - £24.50) this unisex scent is made with 100% Certified Organic ingredients and has a balsamic/woody scent. I've tried the solid scents before (French Bourbon, Geranium & May Chang) and loved it.

A Limited Collection Miniature Amber Glass Candle in "Forest" which is Piercing Siberian Fig with Bourbon Geranium. Burn time is 10 hours. Looking forward to burning this!

What an amazing box of goodies which also come with a gift card (as if you could bear to gift it!)  Is this subscription something you'd sign up for? If you do, you won't be disappointed!

Love Lula: Jane Scrivner Skin Drink Frankincense Hydrating Mist & Rose Gold Ultimate Facial Serum

I've recently been testing out Jane Scrivner's fabulous Nourishing Cleanser Luxury Cleansing Balm* (expect a review of this soon). As I'd been very impressed with how effective and luxurious it was I was keen to try more from the range.

I've totally fallen for the gorgeous Skin Drink Frankincense Hydrating Mist (100ml - £19*) and Rose Gold Ultimate Facial Serum (30ml - £33)*.

Jane has spent 24 years working in skincare and therapy, learning, training and instructing and has travelled the world while doing so. When she came home to Stratford-upon-Avon she decided to create her own skincare line.

Skin Drink Frankincense Hydrating Mist* is just fantastic and one of the best toning mists I've used. It tones, hydrates, regenerates, freshens, is restorative and can be used for fixing make up too.

The blend is mixed and bottled by hand and contains Organic High Altitude Lavender hydrosol, Organic French Apothecary Rose hydrosol and Frankincense essential oil.

To use: shake before use, spray 2-3 pumps over skin (avoiding eyes) before massaging the liquid in.

Rose Gold Ultimate Facial Serum* smells deeply of Bulgarian Rose Otto. It really is incredible and a real treat for the skin and senses. It's best suited to sensitive and mature skin types. It contains Jojoba oil which helps to promote the production of collagen and elastin. The serum balances, tones, soothes, nourishes and can help with broken capilliaries.

To use: apply a single pump to fingertips before massaging onto the face and neck. 

What's your favourite Jane Scrivner product?

*sent to me as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program (I added £2 to make this selection). All thoughts are genuine and my post contains 2 affiliate links.